The Green Bay Packers made a franchise-altering move by acquiring superstar linebacker Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys. The deal was bold, expensive, and full of promise—but it’s taken a surprising twist.
Just days after the trade was finalized, the team revealed Parsons is battling a back injury that could affect his early-season performance. And now? He’s reportedly seeing a pain management specialist to get it under control.
But what does that mean? What kind of treatment is he getting—and will it work?
Let’s break it down.
The Injury: Lumbar Facet Joint Sprain
Micah Parsons is dealing with a lumbar facet joint sprain at the L4-L5 level of his lower back. This type of injury affects the small joints in the spine that allow for twisting and bending.
Think of it like this:
Facet joints are like hinges between each vertebra. When one is sprained or inflamed, it hurts every time you move, especially twisting, turning, or extending the back. For an NFL linebacker whose entire game is about explosion and flexibility, that’s a serious concern.
Step 1: Pain Management – Enter the Pain Doctor
Because inflammation in this area can be stubborn and painful, Parsons is now under the care of a pain management specialist—commonly referred to as a pain doctor.
These specialists focus on non-surgical methods to reduce inflammation, manage discomfort, and restore mobility.
Step 2: Conservative Treatment Plan
Here’s what a typical treatment plan for this injury looks like (and what Parsons is reportedly undergoing):
1. Oral Steroids (Prednisone)
- Purpose: Quickly reduce inflammation.
- What it does: A corticosteroid like prednisone helps calm the overactive immune response in the joint.
- Duration: 5–7 days of oral pills.
2. Physical Therapy
- Purpose: Strengthen the muscles around the spine.
- Includes:
- Core strengthening exercises (planks, bridges)
- Gentle spinal mobility drills
- Posture and gait correction
- Goal: Reduce mechanical stress on the injured joint.
3. Activity Modification
- Limited practice reps or complete rest depending on pain level.
- Ice/heat application and anti-inflammatories (like ibuprofen) as needed.
Step 3: Facet Injection (If Needed)
If oral medications and physical therapy don’t provide enough relief, the next step may be a facet joint injection.
What is it?
A targeted anti-inflammatory injection delivered directly into or around the facet joints—the small joints in the spine that help with movement and stability.
- Administered using image guidance (typically fluoroscopy or X-ray) to ensure accuracy and safety.
Benefits:
- Can provide rapid pain relief, often within 24–72 hours
- Reduces inflammation and allows for improved mobility
- Effects can last weeks to months, giving the body time to recover
Risks/Side Effects:
- Temporary increase in pain or soreness at the injection site
- Mild numbness or leg weakness (usually resolves within hours)
- Rare risks include infection, bleeding, or nerve damage
Recovery Timeline: What’s Realistic?
- Short-term: If the injection is effective, Parsons could return to the field within a week, likely on a limited number of reps or in specific pass-rush situations to manage his workload.
- Medium-term: With continued PT and careful load management, he could reach 90–95% function by Week 3–4.
- Long-term: If symptoms return, repeat injections or radiofrequency ablation (to temporarily disable pain-causing nerves) may be explored.
Why It Matters
Micah Parsons isn’t just any player—he’s a franchise centerpiece. But the Packers now have to juggle his long-term health with the short-term pressure to perform. Pain doctors are helping guide that balance, ensuring he doesn’t do further damage trying to “tough it out.”
The good news? Facet joint injuries are manageable with the right care, and Parsons is in elite hands.
Final Thoughts
While fans might be panicking at the thought of their newest superstar already needing a doctor, the reality is: injuries are part of the game, and so is smart recovery.
The Packers’ medical team is being proactive. Parsons is getting advanced treatment. And if all goes well, he’ll be back to terrorizing quarterbacks—pain-free—very soon.
If back pain is interfering with your life, don’t wait. At Midtown Pain and Spine, we specialize in advanced pain relief options—including image-guided joint injections—to help you move and live with less pain. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our four pain management providers — Dr. Thomas Weber is board certified, and fellowship trained in Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Brittany Hodorowicz (PA-C), Patricia McGrail (NP), Heather Allen (FNP-C) — self-referrals welcome!
